Seeds to Start in July

🌻 What Seeds You Can Still Plant in July (Yes, Really!)

July might feel like summer is halfway over—but in the garden, there’s still plenty of magic (and vegetables) to come. Whether you’re a little late to the planting party or you’re looking to squeeze in a second wave of crops, I’ve got good news: there are tons of seeds you can plant in July that will grow fast and reward you with a delicious late summer or fall harvest.

Here’s my favorite list of what to plant, how long it takes to grow, tips for fast results, and which garden friends make the best companions. Let’s dig in!

🥬 Lettuce

Don’t rule out lettuce just because it’s hot! In July, I plant heat-tolerant varieties like ‘Buttercrunch’ or ‘Jericho’. They mature in about 30–50 days, so you’ll be harvesting crisp greens before you know it.

Quick Tip: Provide a little afternoon shade or plant near taller crops like tomatoes or sunflowers to avoid bolting.

Companion Plants: Carrots, cucumbers, and radishes. Keep away from parsley (they don’t get along well).

🥕 Carrots

July-planted carrots are perfect for a fall harvest. Choose short-season varieties like ‘Parisian’ or ‘Little Finger’ and you’ll have carrots ready in about 60–70 days.

Quick Tip: Keep soil moist for the first 7–10 days to ensure good germination. I cover the row with a board or burlap until sprouts appear—it works like a charm.

Companion Plants: Onions, lettuce, peas. Avoid dill—it can slow carrot growth.

🌱 Bush Beans

These are my go-to crop for July. They love the heat and grow fast. Most bush beans are ready in 50–60 days, which means you can plant now and still get a great harvest before fall frost.

Quick Tip: Sow directly into warm soil and harvest often to keep the beans coming. Don’t over-fertilize—beans make their own nitrogen!

Companion Plants: Corn, cucumbers, and strawberries. Avoid onions and garlic—they’re not bean fans.

🥒 Cucumbers

If you have space, July is not too late to plant cucumbers. Especially bush types like ‘Spacemaster’ or ‘Bush Pickle’. You can expect harvests in 50–65 days.

Quick Tip: Trellis climbing varieties to save space and increase airflow, which helps prevent powdery mildew in humid weather.

Companion Plants: Beans, lettuce, sunflowers. Keep them away from aromatic herbs like sage and basil.

🌿 Basil

There’s no such thing as too much basil. I plant more in July to keep a steady stream of pesto and fresh leaves coming through late summer. Basil matures in just 30–40 days.

Quick Tip: Pinch off flowers as soon as you see them—this keeps the plant focused on growing leaves instead of going to seed.

Companion Plants: Tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce. Avoid planting near rue or sage.

🌶️ Radishes

Radishes are the speed demons of the garden. I plant them every few weeks throughout July and August. Many varieties are ready in just 25–30 days.

Quick Tip: Keep the soil moist and harvest as soon as they’re ready—radishes left too long will get woody and spicy.

Companion Plants: Carrots, spinach, beans. Keep them away from cabbage and turnips to prevent competition.

🌽 Summer Squash

Still got time for zucchini! Summer squash thrives in July heat and produces quickly—usually in about 50–60 days. Try varieties like ‘Black Beauty’ or ‘Golden Bush’.

Quick Tip: Give them plenty of space and water deeply to keep them happy. Mulching helps retain moisture.

Companion Plants: Corn, beans, nasturtiums. Avoid potatoes—they compete for nutrients and space.

🥬 Swiss Chard

This leafy beauty loves a long growing season and can be planted in July for harvest starting in about 60 days. Plus, it keeps producing until frost.

Quick Tip: Harvest outer leaves regularly and let the center keep growing for continuous harvests.

Companion Plants: Beans, onions, cabbage. Avoid placing next to spinach (they attract the same pests).

🍠 Beets

Beets planted in July will give you roots and greens by early fall. Choose faster-growing types like ‘Detroit Dark Red’—they’re ready in 50–60 days.

Quick Tip: Thin seedlings early to allow proper root development. I use the thinned leaves in salads!

Companion Plants: Onions, lettuce, and bush beans. Avoid pole beans—they compete underground.

🌿 Tips for Fast Growth in Summer Heat

• Water early: Morning watering helps plants stay hydrated and prevents mildew.
• Mulch generously: It keeps the soil cool and moist—especially important in July heat.
• Use shade cloth: For delicate crops like lettuce or radishes, shade cloth can prevent bolting.
• Harvest often: The more you pick, the more many plants produce (especially beans and squash).

And don’t forget to keep feeding your soil with compost or a light fertilizer every few weeks. Fast-growing crops need fuel!

🎉 Final Thoughts (and an Encouragement Boost)

So, if you’ve been thinking, “Is it too late to plant something?”—the answer is a joyful NO. July is actually a wonderful month to grow quick, productive, and flavorful crops. Whether you’re working with a few containers or a full backyard garden, there’s still time to get your hands dirty and enjoy the harvest.

Plant something today, and future-you (snacking on fresh cucumbers and radishes) will be so glad you did.

📸 Let’s Grow Together!

If you’re planting your July garden, tag me on Instagram! I’d love to see what you’re growing and cheer you on. I share tips, photos from my own garden, and plenty of behind-the-scenes seedling updates. 🌿